The Indian Women’s Cricket reached their maiden T20 World finals after the first semi-finals against England was abandoned due to rain played at Sydney Cricket Ground, SCG on Thursday. Harmanpreet Kaur led side finished top of Pool A winning all their matches. It is a great achievement for the Indian women’s team as they performed brilliantly in the league stages.
India started the group stunning the defending Champions Australia by 17 runs in the opening match played at Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney on 21st February. After their win against Australia, they defeated Bangladesh by 18 runs on 24th at WACA Stadium, Perth. It was a superb performance by India as they held their nerves to beat New Zealand by 3 runs in their 3rd match played at Junction Oval, Melbourne on 27th February.
In their final league match, India cruised to a 7 wicket over Sri Lanka to finish top of Pool A and qualify for the last 4 stage. There were consistent rains today and India were rewarded with their maiden finals in World T20.
Australia versus South Africa 2nd semi-finals
Australia defeated South Africa by 5 runs via DLS method in the semi-finals played at Sydney Cricket Ground, SCG on Thursday. South African captain Dan Van Niekerk won the toss and decided to field first. Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney got the hosts off to a quick start on a damp pitch. Khaka got the breakthrough for South Africa dismissing Healy for 18. Mooney looked impressive his stroke play while Meg Lanning took the charge. At the end of six overs, Australia were 48 for 1.
After the power play overs, Mooney and Lanning played with positive intent. De Klerk struck for South Africa dismissing the dangerous Mooney for 28. Mooney and Lanning added 34 runs for the 2nd wicket. Jess Jonassen who was promoted to number 4 was dismissed cheaply. Gardner also failed to contribute any runs. Trisha Chetty missed a stumping chance of Meg Lanning. Rachael Haynes took singles and gave strike to Meg Lanning. De Klerk struck again to get the wicket of Haynes. Lanning and Haynes added 32 runs for the 5th wicket. Meg Lanning impressed with her stroke taking 17 runs off Khaka over. Carey and Lanning added 31 unbeaten runs for the 6th wicket to help Australia post 134 for 5 in 20 overs.
After the rain delay break, South Africa were given a revised target of 98 off 13 overs. Lizelle Lee and Dan Van Niekerk began impressively as both openers smashed some lovely boundaries. Molineux got the big wicket of Lee for 10. The power play overs were reduced to 4 overs. Megan Schutt dismissed Van Niekerk to leave South Africa at 23 for 2 at the end of power play overs.
Kimmince got rid of Mignon du Preez to leave South Africa in trouble at 24 for 3. Sunne Luus was struggling for timing but Laura Wolvaardt played with positive intent and kept the South African hopes alive. Schutt struck to get rid off Sunne Luus to break 47 runs stand for 4th wicket. Wolvaardt showed her hitting abilities and left South Africa need 19 runs to win off last over. Jess Jonassen dismissed Tryon. Despite de Klerk and Wolvaardt efforts, Jonassen held her nerves to win the match by 5 runs.
For her captains knock, Meg Lanning was awarded the player of the match. This will be a repeat of first match of the tournament and hope to see Indian team rise to the occasion.
Australia 134 for 5 in 20 overs (Meg Lanning 49*, Mooney 28, de Klerk 3/19) beat South Africa 92 for 5 in 13 overs ( Wolvaardt 41*, Luus 21, Megan Schutt 2/21) by 5 runs via DLS method.
